AQ Copperhead vs Other AQ "3 Conductor" IC
AudioMancer
Posts: 21
Greetings all,
Long time reader, first time poster.
I have a very modest little 5.1 system and I'm in the middle of exchanging the IC's, SC's. I've already changed out the stock PC for the AQ NRG-2 (which maybe I should've come here and asked for suggestions before doing, but alas...).
I am considering the AQ RCA IC's but:
1. Did not want to spend more on IC's that my entire system costs :P
2. Did not want to "overkill" with anything that was meant to reveal much more than my system has to offer (I hope I transmitted that thought adequately).
Having said that, I could probably swing the King Cobras. I'm looking to connect the Emotiva UMC-1 to an XPA-5. Now, I know it's going to come down to "me" and "my" contentment with the system/sound. HOWEVER, if YOU were to get new RCA IC's for this set-up, do YOU think that King Cobras would be complete overkill?
Also, I spoke to a local dealer, whom I thought was very candid (considering he could've tried to upsell me on the Cobras) who is of the opinion that: "Any other Audioquest interconnect above the Copperhead line (like the Diamonback or King Cobra) has 3 conductors. These are specifically made for XLR connectors. If you buy these 3 conductor cables WITH RCA connectors, they simply tie 2 conductors together and you essentially pay for something you're not using. So if you do not have XLR outputs and inputs on your audio system, I would get the Copperheads."
Now please, don't bash this gentleman's opinion, as he was probably just trying to simplify the explanation so that I could grasp the concept. But, would anyone here say that, in general, his statement is a fair assesment?
On a side note: I use to install high-end car stereos for a living. I wouldnt call myself an audiophile, but I also do consider that I have a more-than-average, discerning ear.
Final verdict: Copperhead? Diamondback? King Cobra? Other?
Long time reader, first time poster.
I have a very modest little 5.1 system and I'm in the middle of exchanging the IC's, SC's. I've already changed out the stock PC for the AQ NRG-2 (which maybe I should've come here and asked for suggestions before doing, but alas...).
I am considering the AQ RCA IC's but:
1. Did not want to spend more on IC's that my entire system costs :P
2. Did not want to "overkill" with anything that was meant to reveal much more than my system has to offer (I hope I transmitted that thought adequately).
Having said that, I could probably swing the King Cobras. I'm looking to connect the Emotiva UMC-1 to an XPA-5. Now, I know it's going to come down to "me" and "my" contentment with the system/sound. HOWEVER, if YOU were to get new RCA IC's for this set-up, do YOU think that King Cobras would be complete overkill?
Also, I spoke to a local dealer, whom I thought was very candid (considering he could've tried to upsell me on the Cobras) who is of the opinion that: "Any other Audioquest interconnect above the Copperhead line (like the Diamonback or King Cobra) has 3 conductors. These are specifically made for XLR connectors. If you buy these 3 conductor cables WITH RCA connectors, they simply tie 2 conductors together and you essentially pay for something you're not using. So if you do not have XLR outputs and inputs on your audio system, I would get the Copperheads."
Now please, don't bash this gentleman's opinion, as he was probably just trying to simplify the explanation so that I could grasp the concept. But, would anyone here say that, in general, his statement is a fair assesment?
On a side note: I use to install high-end car stereos for a living. I wouldnt call myself an audiophile, but I also do consider that I have a more-than-average, discerning ear.
Final verdict: Copperhead? Diamondback? King Cobra? Other?
A/V Proc: UMC-1
AMP......: XPA-5
Speakers: Polk LCi-RTS100 x 5
Sub.......: Velodyne SPL-1200R
Bluray....: Pioneer BDP320
HD DVD..: Toshiba HD-A30
AMP......: XPA-5
Speakers: Polk LCi-RTS100 x 5
Sub.......: Velodyne SPL-1200R
Bluray....: Pioneer BDP320
HD DVD..: Toshiba HD-A30
Post edited by AudioMancer on
Comments
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AudioMancer wrote: »Greetings all,
Long time reader, first time poster.
I have a very modest little 5.1 system and I'm in the middle of exchanging the IC's, SC's. I've already changed out the stock PC for the AQ NRG-2 (which maybe I should've come here and asked for suggestions before doing, but alas...).
I am considering the AQ RCA IC's but:
1. Did not want to spend more on IC's that my entire system costs :P
2. Did not want to "overkill" with anything that was meant to reveal much more than my system has to offer (I hope I transmitted that thought adequately).
Having said that, I could probably swing the King Cobras. I'm looking to connect the Emotiva UMC-1 to an XPA-5. Now, I know it's going to come down to "me" and "my" contentment with the system/sound. HOWEVER, if YOU were to get new RCA IC's for this set-up, do YOU think that King Cobras would be complete overkill?
Also, I spoke to a local dealer, whom I thought was very candid (considering he could've tried to upsell me on the Cobras) who is of the opinion that: "Any other Audioquest interconnect above the Copperhead line (like the Diamonback or King Cobra) has 3 conductors. These are specifically made for XLR connectors. If you buy these 3 conductor cables WITH RCA connectors, they simply tie 2 conductors together and you essentially pay for something you're not using. So if you do not have XLR outputs and inputs on your audio system, I would get the Copperheads."
Now please, don't bash this gentleman's opinion, as he was probably just trying to simplify the explanation so that I could grasp the concept. But, would anyone here say that, in general, his statement is a fair assesment?
On a side note: I use to install high-end car stereos for a living. I wouldnt call myself an audiophile, but I also do consider that I have a more-than-average, discerning ear.
Final verdict: Copperhead? Diamondback? King Cobra? Other?
The AQ product line is definitely structured to be 'incremental' in construction, and therefore, supposedly quality as well.
There are subtle differences aside from the 'triple balanced' construction once you go above the Copperhead and into the Diamondback. When you go up to the King Cobra you get bigger gauge conductors and the PSC+ (Perfect Surface Copper + .
If you are not opposed to buying used cables, you may find equivalently priced AQ cables for a new price of Copperheads and get your King Cobras.
Try audiogon.com or usedcable.com for some good values.
The Copperheads are definitely a good bargain.
Another choice would be audioadvisor.com - they have an 'inhouse' equivalent from AQ of the Diamondback that they call the Blackmamba II for a reduced price.
Enjoy the journey!
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Erik Tracy wrote: »The AQ product line is definitely structured to be 'incremental' in construction, and therefore, supposedly quality as well.
There are subtle differences aside from the 'triple balanced' construction once you go above the Copperhead and into the Diamondback. When you go up to the King Cobra you get bigger gauge conductors and the PSC+ (Perfect Surface Copper + .
I kinda figured this much. As I stated, I think he was looking out for my budget and possibly figured I wouldn't be able to tell the difference (which I may very well not
)Erik Tracy wrote: »If you are not opposed to buying used cables, you may find equivalently priced AQ cables for a new price of Copperheads and get your King Cobras.
Try audiogon.com or usedcable.com for some good values.
The Copperheads are definitely a good bargain.
Another choice would be audioadvisor.com - they have an 'inhouse' equivalent from AQ of the Diamondback that they call the Blackmamba II for a reduced price.
Enjoy the journey!
Thank you for the suggestion. I will certainly check it out.
I've looked into the "previously owned" cables on Ebay and saw several (admittedly suspicious) sellers offering the King Cobra at some incredible prices. Sure enough, they are selling out of Hong Kong. I don't want to sumarily discard them as scams, as I've seen what the mark up on high-end jewelry is (my father-in-law is a certified Cartier/Rolex tech and I've seen him buy a $15 gear for a Rolex and turn around and charge close to $200 for it), but you just can't help but ask yourself how they can sell it for so little when the AQ retail price is more than twice as much..but again, even at half off, I'm sure you could make money. Anyone have any thoughts on these cables/sellers? :::braces for the barrage of insults::: LOL
Aaaaaaany way...anyone else with some observations/suggestions?A/V Proc: UMC-1
AMP......: XPA-5
Speakers: Polk LCi-RTS100 x 5
Sub.......: Velodyne SPL-1200R
Bluray....: Pioneer BDP320
HD DVD..: Toshiba HD-A30 -
There are a-lot of Fake AQ cables out there and I for one would never buy them on ebay.Get some MIT AVTs from Joe abrams on audiogon.
I forget the other seller that I often get emails from but Im sure someone else here has a link.SDA-2BTL with custom IC
Adcom 565 monoblocks--Monarchy Audio M-10 preamp
Theta Data Basic Transport--Stello DA100 Signature DAC--Camelot Dragon Pro2 MK III
Harman Kardon T-55c TT
DH Labs Q-10 Signature Speaker Cables With Furez silver plated copper bananas
Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference AES/EBU
Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver i2s digital cable
4 Furutech FP-314Ag with FI-11cu Plugs/FI-11AG IECs--- Power Cords
DH LABS REVELATIONS ICs-amps
Revelation Audio Labs Paradise cryo-silver ICs-Source to pre -
Here you go.you cant go wrong with these.>>http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?cablintr&1272824124&/MIT-AVT3-rca-2m-pr-NEW;-Tiny-blemSDA-2BTL with custom IC
Adcom 565 monoblocks--Monarchy Audio M-10 preamp
Theta Data Basic Transport--Stello DA100 Signature DAC--Camelot Dragon Pro2 MK III
Harman Kardon T-55c TT
DH Labs Q-10 Signature Speaker Cables With Furez silver plated copper bananas
Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference AES/EBU
Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver i2s digital cable
4 Furutech FP-314Ag with FI-11cu Plugs/FI-11AG IECs--- Power Cords
DH LABS REVELATIONS ICs-amps
Revelation Audio Labs Paradise cryo-silver ICs-Source to pre -
Here you go.you cant go wrong with these.>>http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?cablintr&1272824124&/MIT-AVT3-rca-2m-pr-NEW;-Tiny-blem
WOW! Hey, thanx for that link. I emailed Mr. Abrams about these.
Again, fully conscious that this might only be a personal preference, how would you compare these to the Copperheads or Diamondbacks? Or is that apples-to-oranges?
Thanx for the replies folks.A/V Proc: UMC-1
AMP......: XPA-5
Speakers: Polk LCi-RTS100 x 5
Sub.......: Velodyne SPL-1200R
Bluray....: Pioneer BDP320
HD DVD..: Toshiba HD-A30 -
Im sure you will soon find out.(Yes, apples-to-oranges)
These have those magic impedence matching boxes that alone are worth the money.And if you dont like them you can be sure that you could post them in the for sale section and get back what you pay for them.Or close to it.
BUT,,, you will like themSDA-2BTL with custom IC
Adcom 565 monoblocks--Monarchy Audio M-10 preamp
Theta Data Basic Transport--Stello DA100 Signature DAC--Camelot Dragon Pro2 MK III
Harman Kardon T-55c TT
DH Labs Q-10 Signature Speaker Cables With Furez silver plated copper bananas
Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference AES/EBU
Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver i2s digital cable
4 Furutech FP-314Ag with FI-11cu Plugs/FI-11AG IECs--- Power Cords
DH LABS REVELATIONS ICs-amps
Revelation Audio Labs Paradise cryo-silver ICs-Source to pre -
Well, I've run into small dilema (if you can call it that).
I can get 3 new pair of the MIT Exp1 for $150 + shipping (from Mr. Abrams...[thanx to fbm211]) OR 5 used (but in excellent condition) AQ Copperheads for $90 shipped.
Can you fellas throw some opinions out at me? Cost vs Performance? I absolutely don't mind paying the $150 if the MITs will sound that much better, but will/should they? I've just never heard any of these cables, so I'm going in blind here. I don't want to assume just because they cost more that they'll sound better.
Thanx guys (and gals...just in case ) A/V Proc: UMC-1
AMP......: XPA-5
Speakers: Polk LCi-RTS100 x 5
Sub.......: Velodyne SPL-1200R
Bluray....: Pioneer BDP320
HD DVD..: Toshiba HD-A30 -
As a Audioquest former dealer and probably going to be again, buy the best you can afford from them. Their cables get beter as you go up their line.
But ,
Audioquest entry level everything in my opinion is good enough for most mid fi systems. Their level of quality and correct signal transfer is top notch. Quality construction and termination is also top notch. Don't feel like your cheating yourself if you have to buy their entry level anything.
Example the Sidewinders are an entry level quality cable, I would use them with B&K , Rotel , Cambridge Audio , Anthem , any japanese receiver etc. I would use them from a cd player to a preamp in a 2 channel system. They are that good. But when you start to go up in the line , the quality goes up with it but not night and day or anything. Small differences as you go.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
If you're doing mostly HT, I'm not sure how much difference you're going to notice from an IC upgrade to your surround channels. I find it difficult, if not impossible, to listen critically to my surrounds. If you listen to a lot of true multichannel audio - different story. So, don't be afraid to go with the 3 cables and just do left, right, and center, if the MITs intrigue you. That said, I recently added some lower than King Cobra AQs to my system (left and right channels only) and love what they've done. Good luck!AudioMancer wrote: »Well, I've run into small dilema (if you can call it that).
I can get 3 new pair of the MIT Exp1 for $150 + shipping (from Mr. Abrams...[thanx to fbm211]) OR 5 used (but in excellent condition) AQ Copperheads for $90 shipped.
Can you fellas throw some opinions out at me? Cost vs Performance? I absolutely don't mind paying the $150 if the MITs will sound that much better, but will/should they? I've just never heard any of these cables, so I'm going in blind here. I don't want to assume just because they cost more that they'll sound better.
Thanx guys (and gals...just in case )
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@ mantis: thanx for the insight and observations. I think with your comments I feel good about the Copperheads being good IC without being overkill.
@mdaudioguy: I agree with your assesment. The surrounds do get relatively little action, compared to the mains and center. I like your suggestion. But I think I'm going to try the Copperheads and, at $90 for all 5, I don't think I can go wrong.
Thanx to all for suggestions and help! After reading up here for almost a year, I knew I could could count on honest, informed and friendly advice. You guys didn't disappoint.A/V Proc: UMC-1
AMP......: XPA-5
Speakers: Polk LCi-RTS100 x 5
Sub.......: Velodyne SPL-1200R
Bluray....: Pioneer BDP320
HD DVD..: Toshiba HD-A30 -
Welcome to Club Polk AudioMancer! Even though I am an MIT lover, I think you've made a good decision. If/when you want to upgrade cables you won't have any problems reselling them for pretty much what you paid for them.
Here's a link you might find interesting for future reference.
http://www.usedcable.com/ -
Be sure to let us know what you think. Good luck!AudioMancer wrote: »@ mantis: thanx for the insight and observations. I think with your comments I feel good about the Copperheads being good IC without being overkill.
@mdaudioguy: I agree with your assesment. The surrounds do get relatively little action, compared to the mains and center. I like your suggestion. But I think I'm going to try the Copperheads and, at $90 for all 5, I don't think I can go wrong.
Thanx to all for suggestions and help! After reading up here for almost a year, I knew I could could count on honest, informed and friendly advice. You guys didn't disappoint.
